Unless the Clippers figure out a way to acquire Hawes in a sign-and-trade with Cleveland, his contract will account for their full mid-level exception, meaning they’ll only have the bi-annual exception (about $2.0 million) and veteran minimum contracts at their disposal to add free agents. This, of course, doesn’t include sign-and-trades, which is how the Clips are targeting Luol Deng and Paul Pierce.

The move seemingly shores up the Clippers’ big man rotation for the first time in the Chris Paul era, as Hawes is a quality backup big who can shoot, pass and rebound — he’s capable of starting for a handful of teams and had series suitors in Portland and Phoenix. There are some concerns defensively, but he should fit in seamlessly on the offensive end next to either Blake or DeAndre, and he won’t be playing more than 20-25 minutes per game.

Hawes averaged 13.2 points, 8.3 rebounds 3.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 30.9 minutes last season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. What separates him from other bigs is simply his shooting: 41.6 percent on 3.9 3-point attempts per game, and 78.3 percent from the free throw line. Overall, he registered a 55.4 percent true shooting and a 15.7 PER.

Jordan is a free agent next summer and if, for whatever reason, he isn’t re-signed, the Clippers have a solid insurance policy now. Hawes is only 26, and isn’t being paid an outrageous sum, so his contract should be moveable, too.

The deal comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Hawes was projected to earn reasonably more on the open market. By accepting $5.3 million per year, he’s actually taking a pay cut (he made $6.6 million last season).

According to Woj, Hawes will have a player option on the fourth year and a 15 percent trade kicker:

Hawes was determined to sign with a contender and his commitment to the Clippers on Friday becomes a tremendous coup for president and coach Doc Rivers.

After missing the playoffs in five of his seven NBA seasons, the chance to be surrounded with All-Star talents Chris Paul and Blake Griffin offers Hawes considerable opportunity to flourish with his deft inside-outside game.

“Even taking a little less money, this opportunity was too exciting to pass up,” Hawes told Yahoo Sports on Friday night. “I’ve had a taste of the playoffs before, but being a part of this team will be just incredible. You get to a point where you really realize what’s important, and I was thinking: ‘What would my 12-year-old self have done? What would he prioritize?’ It was this opportunity and what they’re building with the Clippers.”

Jovan Buha is a staff writer and Digital Content Programmer at FOX Sports. He also contributes to ESPN Los Angeles’ Clippers and Lakers coverage. Jovan graduated from USC with a degree in Print & Digital Journalism and a minor in Sports Media Studies in 2014.

Clippers need a athletic small forward that defends rebound and runs floor well
Spencer Hawes works well if he makes shots,, Clippers need more speed in line-up get fast small forward and shooting guard will win if they can do both because other teams will improve their roster so we need to do the same

http://2epicbits.com/ theSUBVERSIVE

Couple of weeks ago, when Clippers showed interest in Ryan Anderson I wrote that they should go for Hawes, but it felt like a long shot since he was projected to receive more than his previous contract but it seems that Doc, the GM, pulled it off. Hawes is exactly what the Clippers have been looking for since last season, but without many
options out there – which would had been Odom before the mess – they
ended up with Mullens and Antawn Jamison, Hawes is clearly much better.
He can actually make 3s AND he can rebound, may not be a great defender
but he does hustle, which is enough within the system.

Now, hopefully Clippers can address the wing issue, which has been the weakest position for the Clippers in the past 4 or 5 years. Rumors about Deng been interested in the Clippers are very interesting, but is it realistic that the Clippers can make something to land Deng? It would be awesome, but it seems an even longer shot than Hawes, but who knows? The, sometimes, overcriticized and overdoubted, Doc GM, is still pulling these kind of deals – just like acquiring Big Bay, Granger, etc.

I think SF issue is major because PG seems easier to address, there are more decent players out there, some vets minimum that can actually play and hold their ground. Barnes lost a step since his Magic days and Dudley can’t move lateraly. I hope that something happens, Bullock steping up as a defender, Dudley starting hitting 3 again, but a trade would be nice.

Slap Dog Hoops

Whoa!! That was a great pickup for the Clippers. I was surprised that they were even able to get him. I would have thought that Spence would have chosen to resign with the Cavs because they could have paid him more and he probably would have started as well. Now the Clips have a rather strong bench with both Hawes and Jamal Crawford. It certainly makes up for losing Colison, that’s for sure.